A study released today by IBM could portend
good things for Nissan and for Middle
Tennessee. Nearly 20 percent of car buyers
say they are somewhat likely or very likely
to buy an all-electric car.

The all-electric Nissan Leaf, which debuted
last month, will be built in Smyrna starting
in 2012, employing 1,300 people. Right now,
buyers qualify for $7,500 worth of federal
subsidies, plus more from many states
($2,500 in Tennessee). But even if the cars
cost 20 percent more than gas-powered
vehicle, 40 percent of consumers say they
would still buy one, Portfolio.com reports.

Nissan will have plenty of competition. In
addition to the Chevy Volt, Ford is planning
to roll out an all-electric Focus, Toyota
has plans for electric cars, and electric
car pioneer Tesla is preparing to roll out a
sedan to compliment its Roadster
all-electric sports car.